WhiskyIntelligence.com - whisky industry press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes, bottlings and comments.

Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.

Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY – Scotch Whisky News

April 2nd, 2020

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

The world’s leading whisky club is helping to lift spirits by bringing its community of whisky lovers together with home tastings, online masterclasses and guidance on how to survive this unprecedented period of isolation

In uncertain times, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is helping to keep spirits high by setting up an online ‘Members’ Room’ where whisky fans can meet up virtually to enjoy a dram, share their experiences and participate in a series of online tastings, from the safety of their own homes.

The Society’s online shop is open for business as normal and their shelves are well stocked with exceptional single cask whisky, ready to be delivered straight to your door. In times of uncertainty, The Society is encouraging members to grab some drams and share them at home.

For non-members, it’s a perfect time to sign up for SMWS membership and become a part of their ‘all together unique’ virtual global community of over 27,000 members.

SMWS offers a print-at-home tasting mat, which can be downloaded here, to guide members through their unique selection of 12 flavour profiles.

The Society will be hosting virtual online tastings, for whisky friends to gather and enjoy their ever-changing range as they’re released.

These tastings and tutorials will give members the opportunity to learn about their selection of wonderful whiskies in the online company of like-minded individuals.

As well as their multi-award winning magazine, Unfiltered, offering members unparalleled access to every corner of the whisky world, SMWS produces a range of rich content, including the Whisky Talk podcast which explores the people and the stories behind the drams.

David Ridley, MD and Chief Member Champion of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We don’t anticipate any issues right now with online orders and deliveries and we’re looking at how we can continue to bring members together in an online environment to share their love of Society whisky and good company.

“Look after each other, and if you’re stuck at home, at least make sure you’re well stocked with Society whisky to see you, your friends and families through. We look forward to seeing you online.”

https://www.smws.com/

f: https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

i: https://www.instagram.com/smws_uk/

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/SMWSsilverscreen/videos

#SMWS

Notes

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world
The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
The Society has bottled whisky from more than 140 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Posted in Press Releases, X CoVid-19 @ 12:04 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Bacardi Limited Commits $3 Million to Support the Bar and Restaurant Industry – Whisky News

April 2nd, 2020

Bacardi Limited Commits $3 Million to Support the Bar and Restaurant Industry

#RaiseYourSpirits provides financial aid and other relief to those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis

HAMILTON, BERMUDA, March 24, 2020 – Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today launched #RaiseYourSpirits, an initiative to support bars and restaurants debilitated by the COVID-19 shutdown. We have been devastated to watch our longtime partners and friends lose their livelihoods virtually overnight, as dining out, nightlife and entertainment grind to a halt around the world. Bacardi and our brands including BACARDÍ® rum, MARTINI® vermouth & sparkling wines, GREY GOOSE vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin and DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, pledge $3 Million USD in financial aid and other support to help the people on the frontlines of our industry during this unimaginable time. This donation is in addition to the $1 Million USD pledged by our PATRÓN® tequila brand last week.

There are established non-profits that are providing aid quickly to those in our industry hard hit by this pandemic. Some of the organizations we are working with include Another Round, Another Rally; CORE; the James Beard Foundation; Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation; and Tales of the Cocktail®.

And because our business is inherently local, many of our efforts around the world are grassroots – supporting bars and bartenders across countries, cities and neighborhoods to provide real time financial support, meals and other necessities to partners in need.

This is just the start. Our teams are working hard to identify more ways we can assist our on-trade community. We expect more outreach and activations to come. Our local teams, brands, and people are committed to lending a hand as this unprecedented hardship unfolds. Please follow #RaiseYourSpirits on Instagram to join this journey.

“Bacardi is a family company, and for us, business is personal. We always say that love for our brands is built in bars, and now it is our turn to show them our love,” said Mahesh Madhavan, CEO of Bacardi Limited. “We don’t have all the answers today on how best to help everywhere, but we are committed to do what we can to see our industry through this crisis. These may be the darkest of days for bars and restaurants, but I am certain that when we come out on the other side, people will emerge from isolation with a renewed zest to live life to the fullest and celebrate together with friends and family.”

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 158 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 7,000, operates more than 20 production facilities in 11 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on Twitter @BacardiLimited or Instagram @BacardiLimited1862. Enjoy Responsibly!

Posted in Press Releases, X CoVid-19 @ 12:03 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

New Edradour Ballechin Oloroso at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

April 2nd, 2020

Edradour Ballechin
10 Year Old SFTC

Ballechin 10 Year Old Oloroso

These little pocket-rocket Straight From The Casks are brimming with flavour. Cask strength 60.3%, peated Edradour whisky matured in an Oloroso cask.

Shop – Edradour 10 Year Old – £70.00

Posted in New Products @ 12:02 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Hard To Find Whisky “Distillery Focus: Glenmorangie” – Scotch Whisky News

April 2nd, 2020

Glenmorangie was founded in 1843 by William Matheson who converted the Morangie brewery in Tain into a distillery. The character of the whisky owes much to Glenmorangie’s distinctive long necked stills – the tallest in Scotland. Imported from a Gin distillery, these unusual stills produce a light, delicate, fruity spirit with dry, cereal undertones.The majority of the spirit is matured in American oak casks from Missouri that impart flavours of vanilla, tropical fruits, honey, crème brûlée and, in older whiskies, chocolate.

Despite being one of the biggest single malt brands in the world (and the best selling in Scotland), Glenmorangie have always had an innovative approach to cask maturation. They pioneered the practice of “finishing” whiskies, where mature whisky is transferred to ex-wine casks, such as Port, Sherry, red wine, or dessert wine, to create new layers of flavour. Alongside the core range, Glenmorangie continue to release small batches of innovative whiskies matured in unusual casks, and have even experimented with chocolate malt, local barley and natural yeast strains.

BROWSE OUR FULL GLENMORANGIE RANGE HERE

Posted in News @ 12:01 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Scotch Malt Whisky Society April 2020 Outturn Alert – Scotch Whisky News

April 2nd, 2020

There are few things which seem certain just now, but one thing you can always rely on is the Society bringing you a colourful collection of casks on the First Friday of each month. Since we’re spending a bit more time indoors, this month we’re encouraging you get creative in the kitchen and use some store-cupboard staples to make the perfect food pairing for your whisky.

You’ll find a mouth-watering selection of whiskies alongside culinary inspiration in this month’s Outturn, released at 9am on Friday, 3 April. Hop to the website to browse the release ahead of the big day.

READ OUTTURN VIEW ALL WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Posted in New Products @ 12:00 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Blood Oath Pact No. 6 Launches This Spring Finished in Cognac Barrels – American Whiskey News

April 1st, 2020

Blood Oath Pact No. 6 Launches This Spring Finished in Cognac Barrels

Bourbon Series Continues To Release Successful Expressions

BARDSTOWN, KY (March 24, 2020) – In its sixth year, the Blood Oath ultra-premium bourbon series continues to see unique expressions – Blood Oath Pact No. 6 launches this spring. The series – a creation of Lux Row Distillers’ Head Distiller and Master Blender John Rempe – combines three selected bourbons, expertly blended for a distinctive whiskey.

For Pact No. 6, Rempe chose a 14-year ryed bourbon with notes of oak and leather, melded with an 8-year warm toasty ryed bourbon and complemented them with a 7-year ryed bourbon rested in cognac casks. The memorable combination brings caramel notes and hints of spice, along extra flavor from the cognac barrels.

“This particular pact is special in that the cognac barrels added some sweetness and a slight fruity, brandy flavor to the bourbon, creating an amazing taste profile,” says Rempe. “When selecting these bourbons, I wanted to see how these flavors meshed together and I have to say the result was spectacular.”

As with all the other expressions, Pact No. 6 is a limited edition, never to be made again, with only 17,000 cases being produced and sold globally. This expression continues with the tradition of a 98.6 proof and packaged in an intricate wooden display box, with the 750ml bottle being topped with a natural cork and emblazoned with John Rempe’s signature. The suggested retail price is $99.99.

“The Blood Oath series launched in 2015 and it’s hard to believe we have already created more than half a decade of Pacts,” adds Rempe. “I’m honored to see consumers searching for the new release every year and get as excited as I am when a new Pact hits the shelves,” adds Rempe.

ABOUT LUX ROW DISTILLERS

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry. Lux Row Distillers is the home of Luxco’s bourbon brands, including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, Ezra Brooks and Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbons.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers includes a visitor center, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 80-acre property is home to an 18^th century stone house – which is registered as a National Historic Place – and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.

For more information about the distillery, visit www.luxrowdistillers.com. You can also like Lux Row Distillers on Facebook at www.facebook.com/luxrowdistillers or follow the distillery on Instagram @luxrowdistillers.

Posted in New Products, Press Releases @ 12:06 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada April 2020 Outturn – Scotch Whisky News

April 1st, 2020

GLOVE BOX SONATA IN B MINOR

CASK NO. 89.10

CASK: Refill butt

AGE: 7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Young & spritely

DAFFODILS CAPTURED IN HONEY

CASK NO. 72.67

CASK: 1st fill barrel

AGE: 9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Sweet, fruity & mellow

A WAFER A WHILE

CASK NO. 112.46

CASK: 1st fill Moselle oak hogshead

AGE: 14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Sweet, fruity & mellow

CREAM OF THE CROP

CASK NO. 113.22

CASK: 1st fill barrel

AGE: 8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Juicy, oak & vanilla

SMOKY, MALTY MINERALITY

CASK NO. 53.284

CASK: Refill hogshead

AGE: 10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Lightly peated

FLAMINGOS SMOKING PIPE TOBACCO

CASK NO. 10.179

CASK: 1st fill barrique

AGE: 12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE: Heavily peated

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Posted in New Products @ 12:05 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Springbank Society Quarterly Newsletter – March 2020 – Scotch Whisky News

April 1st, 2020

It’s time again for an update on everything Springbank.

Currently the world is facing uncertain times and, from everyone at Springbank, we hope that yourself, family and friends are all doing your utmost to keep each other safe. Following the advice issued by the UK and Scottish Governments on March 23rd, we have shut down our operations at Springbank, Glengyle and Cadenhead’s until further notice. This does mean that there may be a few delays in regard to any new releases but we hope that business will return to normal before long.

This month we have an update on sales teams events, upcoming releases, a round-up of distillery news, letting you know what has been happening (and what we are planning for the future) at Springbank and Glengyle, in Campbeltown and beyond.

Distillery News

After the winter break we resumed production in January, with the first mash of the year taking place on Tuesday the 13th of January. Prior to this we had a new lyne arm fabricated and installed on the wash still, as the old one had sprung a hole and was too thin to weld repair. We were sure to get it made to the exact same size and dimensions as the old one so that nothing changes with our wash distillation.

The maltings didn’t start up until later that month, with all our malt bins having been filled by the time we shut down for Christmas there was no room for any more until the 24th of January. Fear not, our malting team were put to good use in bringing all the casks out from the warehouse for our annual ‘vatting season’ whereby we vat all our Springbank, Longrow, Hazelburn and Kilkerran products for the following year to allow the different cask types to marry. This is a very labour intensive process and takes 3 months to complete properly but our skilled production team made it look easy, as usual.

Our bottling hall has continued to bottle all of our famous single malts, and great Cadenhead’s bottlings as well, including a number of special releases that you’ll be able to enjoy later this year.

And finally, the new warehouse is nearing completion! We are hoping that by this summer we will be able to show everyone this amazing new facility.

Sales Team Events

The sales team have been grounded in Campbeltown for the time being until it is safe to resume our travelling. Here’s an update on what we were up to at the start of the year and our plans for future events (fingers crossed we can make them).

Once again we have been travelling far and wide to share the story of Springbank and Kilkerran. David has been busy at work (sunning himself) in New Zealand and Australia. Cara enjoyed her time on Sweden’s Cinderella cruise but came back with a cough so has been drinking plenty of Springbank to warn any virus off. Nicole has been settling into the bright city lights moving from Islay to Campbeltown in between trips to Canada and Prague. Melanie has been keeping us all in line at Campbeltown HQ whilst Grant has been up and down the UK spreading the good word of Springbank and Kilkerran.

Future Events

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, all future sales team events have been suspended. We will follow government guidelines and hope to be back on the road visiting as many of you as possible soon.

Please remember, the Events Section of the Springbank Website is updated whenever we have new information to share with you all.

Springbank Website – Events Page

New Releases

As we approach summer we shall be releasing some new batches of our regular favourites and a new release from Kilkerran further in advance.

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 3

The next edition of our peat in progress will soon be available – the exact launch date will be determined, in part, by when our staff are able to return to work. This batch will be 80% Bourbon to 20% Sherry maturation and still packs a punch of peat and tropical fruits.

Springbank 21yo

An eclectic mix of bourbon, sherry, port and rum casks have been selected and vatted for the legendary Springbank 21yo, which is scheduled to bottled and released in May.

Hazelburn Sherrywood

Our annual release of Hazelburn fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks is shaping up beautifully and is almost ready to be bottled as a 12yo.

Longrow 18yo

The rich, smokey and complex character which is Longrow 18yo 2020 edition will be ready to enjoy during the long summer nights. This bottling has been drawn from a mixture of bourbon, sherry and rum casks.

After summer the society can also look forward to Glengyle’s first Kilkerran 16yo release, look out for Society alerts and social media updates for more information when this will be available.

Campbeltown Malts Festival Cancelled

It was with a heavy heart that we cancelled Campbeltown Malts Festival 2020 which was due to take place in May. However, we took the decision to protect our employees, community members and customers from any further spread of Covid-19. We are disappointed that we won’t be enjoying a few drams together in Campbeltown this way but we are working on another project at this time so stay tuned for updates on how we can enjoy some whisky together.

Although this year’s festival won’t be going ahead we hope to still see you at Campbeltown Malts Festival 2021.

Society On Tour

Here at Springbank HQ we have been racking our brains to enrich our Society members’ Springbank experience and give you all something back to show our appreciation for your support. After great deliberation we have come up with “Society on Tour.” This concept will see our sales team travelling the globe to hold Society member tastings with an eclectic selection of samples.

Some of you may have been lucky enough to come along to our first Society on tour tasting in Edinburgh this February. For those who couldn’t make it, don’t worry we are already planning future events.

Social Media

You can follow Springbank on Social Media:

Facebook – Official Springbank Whisky

Twitter – @Springbank1828

Instagram- springbank1828

You can follow Kilkerran Single Malt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too.

Slainte,

The Springbank Team

Posted in Events, X CoVid-19 @ 12:04 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Live ‘Maltstock detox walk’ by Black Sheep Red Sheep April 5th, 2020 – Whisky Walking News

April 1st, 2020

Live ‘Maltstock detox walk’ by Black Sheep Red Sheep

Hi Maltstockees!

These are strange times! So let’s facilitate a little bit of escapism! Let’s do an online afternoon detox walk!

Most of you will recognize Dennis as one of a relaxed duo of brand ambassadors for The Glenrothes. For years now, Dennis and Jan have hosted our morning walk on the Saturday of Maltstock. They are also ambassadors for Irish whisky. And they have presented many amazing drams from Ireland the past few years.

Dennis will be hosting a very special detox walk on Facebook. Sharing his thoughts on a couple of relaxed drams he’ll take us for a walk. You can join him next Sunday 5th of April at 15:00 CET (Amsterdam).

If you are based in the Netherlands and want to join Dennis in the tasting, that is also possible. For €15 Dennis will arrange for you to receive the drams he is going to taste. Sets can be ordered with him until Thursday the 2nd of April 12:00 CET. Please contact Dennis at dennis@blacksheepredsheep.com for more information about this relaxed offer.

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan and Teun

Posted in Events @ 12:03 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off

Hard To Find Whisky Distillery Focus: Highland Park – Scotch Whisky News

April 1st, 2020

With its remote location as Scotland’s most northerly distillery and close association with Nordic mythology, Highland Park has built a strong, cult following with it’s whiskies. Highland Park’s signature flavour is slightly smoky, aromatic and richly fruity. Founded in 1798 in Kirkwall on the Isle of Orkney, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that Highland Park Single Malt became available.

Fast forward to today and there is a core range of age stated whiskies known the world over. Add to that a range of limited releases that celebrate the distillery’s Orcadian history and Viking roots and you have one of the most visible and well known whisky brands in the world.

BROWSE OUR FULL HIGHLAND PARK RANGE HERE

Posted in News @ 12:02 am by admin

RSS Feed

Comments Off